Columbus, OH — An Ohio lawmaker has introduced a bill that would formally declare artificial intelligence systems as “nonsentient entities” and ban them from gaining legal personhood or being recognized as eligible for marriage or power of attorney.
The proposal, introduced in late September by State Rep. Thaddeus Claggett of Licking County, aims to ensure that humans — not machines — remain in control of emerging AI technologies.
Preventing AI From Holding Legal Rights
The legislation, as reported by WCMH-TV, seeks to prohibit both individuals and AI systems from attempting to enter into any legal contract that implies sentience or equality under the law. This includes marriage, guardianship, or power of attorney — roles reserved for human beings.
“Ohio is attempting to put some guardrails in place so that we always have a human in charge of the technology, not the other way around,” Claggett said while announcing the proposal.
Under the bill, AI systems could not act on behalf of humans, such as making financial or medical decisions. It also reinforces that any attempt to grant AI systems civil rights or human status would be considered legally invalid in the state of Ohio.
Lawmaker’s Intent: Human Oversight Over AI
Claggett said the measure reflects growing concern about the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, including its influence over decision-making, automation, and personal relationships.
He emphasized that while AI tools have many benefits, clear boundaries must exist to prevent confusion between technology and human authority.
“This legislation is about maintaining human oversight,” Claggett said. “We should use AI to help us — not to replace us.”
Growing Debate Over AI’s Legal and Ethical Role
The proposal comes amid broader national and global discussions about AI ethics, accountability, and personhood. Legal scholars have debated whether highly advanced AI models could one day qualify for limited rights, while others argue such recognition could undermine human responsibility and moral governance.
States like California and New York have also begun exploring AI regulation bills that define the limits of machine autonomy. Ohio’s proposed legislation, however, takes one of the clearest stances yet — declaring that AI will never qualify as a sentient or legal being.
The Future of AI Regulation in Ohio
If passed, Ohio would become one of the first states to explicitly prohibit AI personhood and to codify that all AI systems are nonhuman and nonsentient. The bill is expected to spark bipartisan debate as lawmakers balance innovation with ethical concerns.
For now, Claggett’s message remains simple: humans must stay in control.
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